I tell my clients to keep pizza in their freezer. Here’s why …
We’ve all been there.
You come home late, you're tired, had a rough day, and nothing in the fridge looks good. The last thing you want to do is cook, and it's really tempting to just grab your phone and order a takeout.
That's why I always advise my clients to keep a backup meal in their freezer- ready to heat up and enjoy for those moments.
It doesn't have to be pizza; it can be anything that feels comforting and satisfying like a curry or veggie-packed lasagna.
Now, this isn't your average pizza
It's about making a meal that's still a treat but is a bit more in line with your goals than your average takeout. You could go for a thinner crust, and throw on plenty of veggies and some protein.
Don’t get me wrong,
the idea isn't to never have takeout or enjoy your favourite foods. It's all about balance and making sure that when you do opt for those, it's because you really want to.
(Not just because it’s a convenient option and you're too tired to think of anything else.)
So next time you're meal prepping, whip up an extra comforting meal for those emergency moments. And on those days when you’re too tired to cook, just pop it in the oven.
Et voilà, a comforting, tasty meal that still feels like it fits into your plan.
Here are a few creative and nutritious ideas for your next freezer meal prep session. These recipes have been tweaked to boost their benefits without sacrificing taste.
Whether you're craving something hearty like lasagna or something spicy like Thai curry, these meals are designed to be both comforting and balanced. Prepare these dishes in advance, freeze them, and you'll have a variety of wholesome options ready to heat and serve on those busy days when cooking is the last thing on your mind.
Lasagna
Tweaks: Use whole wheat or lentil lasagna noodles for added fiber, replace some of the meat with chopped mushrooms to decrease fat and increase fiber, and use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella.
Butter Chicken
Tweaks: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yoghurt to reduce fat and add protein, use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, and increase the amount of tomatoes and onions in the sauce.
Pasta Dish
Tweaks: Opt for lentil pasta to increase fiber and protein content, add a variety of vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, and use olive oil and garlic for a simple, healthier sauce instead of cream-based ones.
Pizza
Tweaks: Use a whole wheat thinner crust, opt for a sauce with no added sugar, top with part-skim cheese, and load up on vegetables and proteins like chicken or turkey.
Tacos Filling
Tweaks: Use lean ground beef, add plenty of chopped vegetables like pickles, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber, and use Greek yoghurt instead of sour cream.
Thai Curry
Tweaks: Include a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, bamboo shoots, and peas, and add more chicken breast, chickpeas and tofu for a protein boost.
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Tweaks: Enhance this by using lean ground beef and lentils, and add layers of other vegetables such as carrots and peas for added nutrients.
